Electrochromic Eyewear

ABSTRACT

Electrochromic eyewear that include a removable electrochromic lens are provided herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to electrochromic eyewear andmore particularly, but not exclusively, to electrochromic spectacles,goggles, and glasses, that may include an eyewear frame, electrochromiclenses, a light sensor, and a controller.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Photochromics represent a fairly common technology ire which the activematerial, typically incorporated into the lenses of eyeglasses, darkensin the presence of intense light and lightens in its absence. Forinstance, photochromic-based lenses commonly darken when exposed tobright sunlight and then lighten when the lenses are brought indoors.Drawbacks of photochromics include poor switching speed, high cost, andweight. Moreover, photochromic lenses often fail to operate or “switch”indoors, or in automobiles, because they require UV light in order toactivate or switch.

As an alternative to photochromic materials, electrochromic materialsprovide a color change in response to an applied voltage. However,electrochromic materials have not found commercial success as areplacement for photochromics.

Accordingly, there is a need in the field for lenses and eyewear thatmay include materials, such as electrochromic materials, that may bewearable by a user with improved light/dark switching speeds and operatein a variety of conditions and environments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Electrochromics, a less well-established technology in comparison tophotochromics, change color or opacity in response to an appliedvoltage, which may be a small DC voltage. An active electrochromicmaterial may include liquid crystals, metal oxides, organic polymers,organic materials, or other materials that may respond to an appliedvoltage with a change in color or opacity.

Certain technologies that include electrochromic materials have avariety of drawbacks. These drawbacks include: (1) a poor placement ofphotosensors both in terms of functionality and aesthetics, usually inan exterior position where its output can be distorted by exposure todirect sunlight or direct light from a bright spotlight; (2) a lack ofautomated function; (3) a lack of seamless integration of thecomponents, such as a photosensor, controller unit, power source,electrical connections or wiring, and an active electrochromic lens; and(4) a lack of amenability to inexpensive and facile manufacture.

The devices of the invention provide electrochromic eyewear that answerthe needs in the field. The various components of the electrochromicdevices of the invention are provided as automated eyewear in which acontinuously variable electrochromic state is automatically adjustedsuch that the light level incident at the user's eye is provided at aconstant, preselected level. These various components, which areincorporated into the eyewear frame and may be hidden from view, includean electrochromic lens or lenses that may contain the activeelectrochromic material. For example, in certain embodiments of theinvention, the electrochromic eyewear may include one to three lenses.

The components of the invention may include a protective outer layerthat may be adhered to the electrochromic lens and thereby protects thelens from external ballistic impacts, and other threats, which may allowthe electrochromic eyewear to conform to the ANSI Z87.1 (2014)specification. Components of the invention may also include aphotosensor that may be placed behind the electrochromic lens, which maythereby sample a light level at a user's eye. The photosensor may bedisposed at the end of a conical cavity on or within the electrochromiceyewear so that it may be protected from direct sunlight or directincidence of spotlights or other bright lights.

The components of the invention may also include a controller ormicroprocessor-based microcontroller on which may reside a controlprogram whereby the input from the photosensor may be used to controlthe electrochromic lens using a control algorithm such that the lightlevel at the user's eyes is always provided at a preselected level.Indeed, the photosensor and the controller of the invention may be usedto maintain a certain preselected level of light at the eyes bymodifying the color or opacity of the electrochromic lens in response tovarying light levels in the user's surroundings. In conjunction with thecontroller, the components of the invention may also include a powersource such as a rechargeable Li battery.

Moreover, the components of the invention may include one or more of acontrol interface, input/output interfaces (e.g., an ON/OFF switch), amicro-USB recharge port, and various low power LEDs indicating an ON/OFFstatus, battery charge, and other statuses. In addition, the componentsof the invention may include a flexible circuit, and electricalconnections and wiring incorporated into the flexible circuit, which maybe used to direct certain wires through a hinge of the electrochromiceyewear.

In certain aspects, the present invention includes electrochromiceyewear that may include an eyewear frame. The eyewear frame of theelectrochromic eyewear may include a first arm and a first hinge thatconnects the first arm to the eyewear frame. The eyewear frame mayinclude a second arm and a second hinge that connects the second arm tothe eyewear frame. Moreover, the eyewear frame may include a photosensorcavity having a conically-shaped cross-section. The electrochromiceyewear may also include an electrochromic that may be connected to theelectrochromic eyewear frame that covers the photosensor cavity. Theelectrochromic eyewear may include a photosensor that may be containedwithin the photosensor cavity and may be configured to receive light andconvert such light to a photosensor potential.

The photosensor may be positioned behind a portion of the electrochromiclens, on the side closest to a user's eyes.

The electrochromic eyewear may include a controller that may becontained within at least one of the first and second arms. Thecontroller may be disposed in electrical communication with thephotosensor and the electrochromic lens. The controller may also beconfigured to deliver a voltage to the electrochromic lens in responseto a signal from the photosensor potential. Additionally, theelectrochromic eyewear may include a power source that may be containedwithin at least one of the first and second arms, The power source maybe disposed in electrical communication with the controller.

In another aspect, the electrochromic eyewear of the invention mayinclude an eyewear frame having a first arm and a second arm In certainembodiments, at least one of the first and second arms may include ahinge that may connect the arm to the eyewear frame. The hinge mayinclude a set of interconnected knuckles and an electrical passthroughthat may be disposed within the set of interconnected knuckles. The armmay rotate upon the hinge between an open and closed position. Theelectrochromic eyewear may include an electrochromic lens that may beconnected to the eyewear frame, where the electrochromic lens mayinclude electrical contacts. The electrochromic eyewear may include acontroller that may be contained within at least one of the first andsecond arms. The controller may be disposed in electrical communicationwith the electrochromic lens. The controller may be configured todeliver a voltage to the electrochromic lens to vary the transmittance(% T) of the electrochromic lens in response to a stimulus transmittedto the controller (e.g., a photosensor potential). The electrochromiceyewear may also include a power source that may be contained within atleast one of the first and second arms in electrical communication withthe controller. Moreover, the electrochromic eyewear may include aflexible circuit that may be configured maintain electricalcommunication between the electrochromic lens and the controller when atleast one of the first and second marks is in their open or closedposition. The flexible circuit may include electrical contact padsconnected to the eyewear frame and may be configured to releaseablycontact the electrical contacts of the electrochromic lens. The flexiblecircuit may include a flexible electrical conduit that connects theelectrical contact pads to the controller through the electricalpassthrough.

In a further aspect, the present invention may include eyewear havingremovable electrochromic lenses. The eyewear may include an eyewearframe having first and second arms that may be connected by first andsecond hinges, respectively, to the eyewear frame. The eyewear frame mayinclude a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion mayinclude a fastener that may be configured to releaseably connect thefront portion to the rear portion. The rear portion may include anelectrochromic lens snap fitting and spring loaded electrochromic lenscontact pads. The eyewear may include an electrochromic lens that may bedisposed between the front portion and the rear portion of the eyewearframe. The electrochromic lens snap fitting and the spring loadedelectrochromic lens contact pads may he configured to releaseablyconnect the electrochromic lens to the rear portion.

The eyewear may include a photosensor connected to the rear portion ofthe eyewear frame. The photosensor may be configured to received lightand convert such light to a photosensor potential. Additionally, theeyewear may include a controller that may be contained within at leastone of the first and second arms. The controller may be disposed inelectrical communication with the electrochromic lens and thephotosensor. The controller may be configured c deliver a voltage to theelectrochromic lens through the spring loaded electrochromic lenscontact pads in response to the photosensor potential.

The present invention provides electrochromic eyewear, that may be inthe form of sunglasses, that incorporate an electrochromic lens, aphotosensor, a power source, and controller. Moreover the electrochromiceyewear includes a flexible circuit that allows the wiring for thevarious powered components to be seamlessly contained within theelectrochromic eyewear. Indeed, the various elements of the presentinvention allow a user to both (1) adjust the arms of the eyewearwithout any loss of function; and (2) move through a variety of lightedenvironments without a change in light level at the user's eyes, even inthe presence of direct sunlight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary and the following detailed description of theexemplary embodiments of the present invention may be further understoodwhen read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of exemplaryelectrochromic eyewear of the invention.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a front view of exemplaryelectrochromic eyewear of the invention.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a front view of exemplaryelectrochromic eyewear with the electronic lens removed.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an exemplaryelectrochromic lens of the invention.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a photosensor and photosensor cavity ofexemplary electrochromic eyewear with the front frame portion removed.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a cross-section of the photosensor andphotosensor cavity of the exemplary electrochromic eyewear with thefront frame portion removed.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a right hinge ofthe exemplary electrochromic eyewear with the front frame portionremoved.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a front view of the right hinge of theexemplary electrochromic eyewear with the front frame portion removed.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a front view of a left hinge of theexemplary electrochromic eyewear with the front frame portion removed.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a side view of the right hinge of theexemplary electrochromic eyewear with the front frame portion removed.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a side view of the right hinge of theinvention with the right arm cover and front frame portion removed.

FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a rear view of the right hinge withthe ear frame portion removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to electrochromic eyewear.Electrochromic eyewear may include, but is not limited to, spectacles,goggles, and glasses. Such electrochromic eyewear may find applicationin industrial safety, in the construction industry, in sports (e.g.,extreme sports), in medicine (e.g., for protection of patients withailments that cause discomfort with varying light levels), and forgeneral recreational use. In certain specific embodiments, the inventionmay relate to electrochromic eyewear in which the electrochromicfunction may be automated through the incorporation of componentsincluding, but not limited to, a sensor, a power source, amicroprocessor-based controller, certain electrical connections thatallow for communication between the powered components (e.g., powersource, controller, sensor), and a flexible circuit, which may beincorporated into the electrochromic eyewear.

Referring now to the figures, wherein like elements are numbered alikethroughout, FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate exemplary electrochromic eyewear 1of the invention. Generally, the electrochromic eyewear 1 may include aframe 10, a left arm 20, a right arm 30, and an electrochromic lens 40.The right arm 30 and left arm 20 may be coupled to the frame 10 viaright and left hinges 50 and 60, respectively. The electrochromiceyewear 1 may also include a controller 31, a power source 21, and aphotosensor 70. In the various embodiments of the invention, thecontroller 31 may be in electrical communication with the power source21, electrochromic lens 40, and photosensor 70, such that the controller31 may receive a signal from photosensor 70 and, based on that signal,provide a voltage to the electrochromic lens 40 where the controller 31may be powered by power source 21.

Right arm 30 may include a right arm cover 30A and an inner cover 34that may be used to provide components that support hinge 50 and encloseand/or protect certain electronic components of the electrochromiceyewear 1. For example, inner cover 34 may enclose controller 31 thatmay be housed within right arm 30. Moreover, tight arm 30 may include aflexible cover 35 that encloses and/or protects certain I/O ports of thecontroller 31. Flexible cover 35 may be a rubber or silicone cover thatmay be removed or rotated to reveal certain I/O ports of the controller31. Right arm 30 may also include hinge 50 that allows right arm 30 tobe rotated with respect to frame 10 when a wearer opens the arms of theelectrochromic eyewear 1. As described herein, right arm 30 may includea distal end and a proximate end. The proximate end of right arm 30 mayinclude the hinge 50 whereas the distal end of right arm 30 may includea right boot 32, which may be a rubber or silicone boot. The right boot32 allows the arm to comfortably conform to a user's head and/or earswhen the electrochromic eyewear 1 is worn by the user.

Left arms 20 may include a left arm cover 20A and an inner cover 24 (seeFIG. 3) that may be used to provide components that support hinge 60 andenclose and/or protect certain electronic components of theelectrochromic eyewear 1. For example, inner cover 24 may enclose apower source 21 that may be housed within left arm 20, Left arm 20 mayalso include hinge 60 that allows left arm 20 to be rotated with respectto frame 10 when a wearer opens the electrochromic eyewear 1. Asdescribed herein, left arm 20 may include a distal end and a proximateend. The proximate end of left arm 20 may include the hinge 60 whereasthe distal end of left arm 20 may include a left boot 22. The left boot22 allows the left arm 20 to comfortably conform to a user's head and/orears when the electrochromic eyewear 1 is worn by the user.

Unless otherwise specified, each of the right arm 30, left arm 20, andframe 10 may be composed of a polymeric material (e.g., Nylon), ametallic material (e.g., aluminum), or a combination thereof.

The frame 10 may be monolithic or may be composed of two or moreportions. In certain embodiments of the invention, the frame 10 mayinclude a rear frame portion 11 and a front frame portion 12. The frame10 may include several windows or apertures, such as a leftelectrochromic aperture 13, and a right electrochromic aperture 14through which light may pass through electrochromic lens 40 to a user'sleft and right eyes, respectively. In addition frame 10 may include asensor aperture 16, which allows light to pass through electrochromiclens 40 to a sensor (e.g., photosensor 70) disposed behind the aperture16 and within the frame 10. As shown in FIG. 3, removal of theelectrochromic lens 40 reveals a photosensor 70 that may he disposed inphotosensor cavity 80 within the frame 10. The frame 10 may also includea nose piece 15, which may be composed of a flexible material such asrubber or silicone to allow the electrochromic eyewear 1 to comfortablyconform to a user's nose when the electrochromic eyewear 1 is worn bythe user.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary electrochromic lens 40 of the inventionthat may include electrochromic materials that change color or opacityupon application of a voltage. The electrochromic lens 40 may, byexample, be one fabricated using a “sandwich” configuration with twoindividual pieces comprising a layer of electrochromically activematerial such as a conducting polymer (CP) deposited on a transparentconductive substrate such as indium tin oxide (ITO) on poly(ethyleneterephthalate) (PET), with a layer of gel or solid electrolyte disposedbetween these two pieces, where the entire lens is edge-sealed. Theelectrochromic lenses of the invention may include those described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,995,273, and 6,033,592; and U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2013/0120821, the entireties of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

In an exemplary embodiment, the electrochromic lens 40 may include fontlens surface 41, an electrochromic material layer 42, and a rear lenssurface 43. For example, the electrochromic material layer 42 mayinclude two or more conducting polymeric material layers (e.g., acathodically coloring conductive polymeric material and an anodicallycoloring conductive polymeric material) with an electrolyte materiallayer disposed therebetween (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,995,273, and6,033,592; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0120821). Asused herein, a “coloring conductive polymeric material” is said to be“anodically coloring” if application of a positive voltage to it causesit to transition to a colored or dark state, and “cathodically coloring”if application of a negative voltage causes it to transition o a coloredor dark state. Moreover, cathodically and anodically coloring conductivepolymeric materials may comprise cathodically and anodically coloringpolymers, respectively. In certain embodiments, the electrochromic lens40 may include an electrochromic material selected from the groupconsisting of poly(aniline), poly(diphenylamine), poly(4-aminobiphenyl), poly(3-alkyl thiophene), poly(phenylene), poly(phenylenevinylene), poly(alkylene vinylenes), poly(amino quinolines),poly(diphenyl benzidine),poly(2,2-dibenzyl-3,4-propylenedioxythiophene),poly(2,2-bis(4-chloro-benzyl)-3,4-propylenedioxythiophene),poly(2,2-bis(4-bromo-benzyl)-3,4-propylenedioxythiophene),poly(2,2-bis(4-nitro-benzyl)-3 4-propylenedioxy thiophene), andcombinations thereof.

The front lens surface 41 may include a transparent conductive substrate(e.g., ITO/Mylar) with an optional protective material (e.g.,polycarbonate) disposed thereon. For example, the front lens surface 41may include an outermost layer of polycarbonate film or layer that maybe bonded using a UV- or pressure-cured, optically transparent adhesive,as known by a person having ordinary skill in the art, to a transparentconductive substrate, which is then connected to the electrochromicmaterial layer 42. The rear lens surface 43 may include a transparentconductive substrate (e.g., ITO/Mylar) with an optional protectivematerial (e.g., polycarbonate) disposed thereon. However, in preferredaspects, the rear lens surface 43 includes a transparent conductivesubstrate without an optional protective material. Where the front lenssurface 41 includes a polycarbonate outermost surface bonded therein,the electrochromic eyewear may meet ballistic protection standards andother standards conforming to the ANSI Z87.1 (2014) specification.

The front and rear lens surfaces 41 and 43 may also include left andright electrical contacts 44 and 45, respectively, which may allow theelectrochromic lens 40 to receive a voltage for application across theelectrochromic material layer 42. For example, electrical contact 44 mayinclude first contact 441 and second contact 442. Electrical contact 45may include first contact 451 and second contact 452. First contacts 441and 451 may be in electrical communication with a first polymeric layerof the electrochromic material layer 42 (e.g., a counter electrode)through a conducting trace 46. The conducting trace 46 may be aconductive material (e.g., a layer of silver) disposed on the rear lenssurface 43 that connects first contacts 441 and 451 to the firstpolymeric layer of the electrochromic material layer 42. Second contacts442 and 452 may be in electrical communication with a second polymericlayer of the electrochromic material layer 42 (e.g., a workingelectrode) through a conducting trace 47. The conducting trace 47 may bea conductive material (e.g., a layer of silver) disposed on the rearlens surface 43 that connects second contacts 442 and 452 to the secondpolymeric layer of the electrochromic material layer 42.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the electrochromiceyewear 1 may be provided with prescription inserts that may be affixedto a portion of the frame 10, or may be disposed in connection toelectrochromic lens 40, such that users who may require prescriptivelenses (e.g., for near or far sightedness) are not impeded in visionwhen using the electrochromic eyewear 1 of the invention.

Additionally, the frame 10 may be fitted such that the electrochromiclens 40 and, more particularly, front surface 41 (e.g., an outerpolycarbonate or other material) or rear surface 43, may be snapped intothe frame 10 as well as removed therefrom, through the provision ofmachined grooves in the frame where the lens 40 may be placed, whichprovide a snap fitting between the electrochromic lens 40 and the frame10. In addition, a set of spring-loaded contact pads (e.g., contacts551, 552, 651, and 652) within the frame 10 may facilitate electricalconnection or the electrodes of the lens 40 (e.g., contacts 44 and 45)with the controller 31. By comparing FIGS. 4, 8, and 9, when anelectrochromic lens 40 is disposed in frame 10 (1) first and secondcontacts 441 and 442 of electrical contact 44 may touch first and secondlens contacts 651 and 652, respectively, of left flexible electricalconduit 65; and (2) first and second contacts 451 and 452 of electricalcontact 45 may touch first and second lens contacts 551 and 552,respectively, of right flexible electrical conduit 55.

The spring-loaded contact pads may provide a biasing pressure or forceagainst the electrochromic lens 40, thereby holding it in place in theframe 10. This may serve to both ease the requirements of manufacture aswell as allow for simple replacement of the lens 40.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a detailed view of frame 10 where the front frameportion 12 has been removed, thereby exposing rear frame portion 11. Thefront frame portion 12 may releaseably connect to the rear frame portion11 by way of a snap-fitting. For example, the outermost edges of thefront frame portion 12 may be sized to match the edges of rear frameportion 11 such that when front frame portion 12 is pressed against rearframe portion 11, the two portions connect until a biasing force is usedto disconnect the two portions. Moreover, the front frame portion 12 andrear frame portion 11 may be connected (or otherwise maintained inconnection) through pins 511 and 611 at hinges 50 and 60, respectively.The front frame portion 12 may he fastened to rear frame portion 11 withone or more fasteners including, but not limited to, screws, snaps,and/or clips. However, in certain embodiments, the fastener may be oneor more snap fittings as described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the rear frame portion 11 may include aphotosensor 70 connected to or otherwise deposited in a photosensorcavity 80. The photosensor 70 may be connected to a controller of theinvention (e.g., controller 31). Indeed, photosensor 70 may includephotosensor leads 71, which may be connected to wiring 72, where wiring72 includes two or more wires connecting the photosensor leads to acontroller (e.g., controller 21). In preferred embodiments, photosensor70 may be disposed in electrical communication with the controller 31through photosensor leads 71 and wiring 72. Rear frame portion 11 mayinclude a wire channel 17 that may enclose a portion of the wiring 72.

Photosensor cavity 80 may be provided in a recess on the rear frameportion 12. Moreover, depositing the photosensor 70 within photosensorcavity 80 allows the photosensor 70 to be placed behind theelectrochromic lens 40 and, for example, in close proximity to a user'seyes, such that light incident at the photosensor 70 may hesubstantially the same as that at the user's eyes. Moreover, thephotosensor cavity 80 protects the photosensor 70 from exposure todirect light (e.g., direct sunlight or a beam of bright light directedtowards the user), which would otherwise distort the output of thephotosensor 70 in the absence of photosensor cavity 80. In certainembodiments, photosensor cavity 80 may include a conical cross-section,a frustoconical cross-section, a fluted conical cross-section, or afluted frustoconical cross-section.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a flexible circuit maybe provided that may be embedded into the frame 10 and hidden from view.The flex circuit may provide the means for electrically connecting allcomponents that may require electrical connections. As described herein,hinge components (e.g., components of hinges 50 and 60) may be providedthat may connect right and left portions of the arms 30 and 20,respectively, to the main eyewear frame 10. These may be speciallyconfigured to allow facile passage of the flexible circuit withoutaffecting the electrical connections in the eyewear when the temples areopened or closed.

FIGS. 6 to 12 illustrate the right and left hinges 50 and 60 thatconnect right and left arms 30 and 20, respectively, to the frame 10.Generally, the right and left hinges 50 and 60 are configured to includepassthroughs that allow a flexible circuit (i.e., “flex circuit”) topass through the hinges 50 and 60 while being enclosed within theelectrochromic eyewear 1. Indeed, the passthroughs and flex circuits ofthe invention allow for wiring 72 and right and left flexible electricalconduits 55 and 65 to pass through the arms 30 and 20, respectively, toconnect with the photosensor 70 or the electrochromic lens 40, asnecessary for operation of the electrochromic eyewear 1. As used herein,the “flexible circuit” comprises wiring 72 and conduits 55 and 65.Accordingly, the passthroughs and flexible circuits of the inventionallow the arms 30 and 20 to be folded, unfolded, or otherwise rotated bythe user without impairing the function of the electrochromic eyewear 1.Therefore, the electrochromic eyewear 1 may function when both arms 30and 20 are in their completely folded position.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 12, various portions of the rear frame portion11, front frame portion 12, inner covers 24 and 34, and outer covers 20Aand 30A, may include knuckles, pins, and other components that maycombine to form passthroughs in the right hinge 50 and left hinge 60 toallow a flexible circuit (e.g., conduits 55 and 65 and wiring 72) topass from arms 30 and 20 into frame 10.

For the purposes of this application, unless otherwise specified, hinges50 and 60 may include identical components. Therefore, in certaininstances, only the components of hinge 50 will be described with theunderstanding that identical counterparts are provided at hinge 60.

The components of hinge 50 may include, for example, top arm knuckle 51and bottom arm knuckle 52. Both top arm knuckle 51 and bottom armknuckle 52 may be disposed on right arm cover 30A. Moreover, top armknuckle 51 may have a space disposed therein, which may he rightelectrical passthrough 54. As described above, wiring 72 and a rightflexible electrical conduit 55 may be configured to pass through rightelectrical passthrough 54.

Hinge 50 may also include an eyewear frame knuckle 53. Eyewear frameknuckle 53 may be disposed on rear frame portion 11. Moreover, as shownin FIG. 7, Eyewear frame knuckle 53 may he interposed between top armknuckle 51 and bottom arm knuckle 52.

Hinge 50 may also include a right passthrough cover 341 that may enclosea portion of the passthrough 54 and may be interposed between twoportions of the top arm knuckle 51. The right passthrough cover 341 maybe disposed on right inner cover 34.

Hinge 50 may also include One or more pins that may be placed through arotational axis of the hinge 50. The pins may be placed through aportion of one or more knuckles of the hinge 50 (e.g., knuckles 51, 53,and/or 54) to both provide an axis of rotation and interlock the one ormore knuckles of the hinge 50.

For example, hinge 50 may include a top pin 511 that may have a top pincap 512. The top pin 511 may be disposed through a portion of the toparm knuckle 51. The top pin 511 may be smooth or threaded. For example,top pin 511 may be threaded and may comprise a screw that fits into afirst sleeve 513 that may be disposed within a first portion of the toparm knuckle 51. Moreover, hinge 50 may include a bottom pin 521 that mayhave a bottom pin cap 522. The bottom pin 521 may be disposed through aportion of the bottom arm knuckle 52. The bottom pin 521 may be smoothor threaded, For example, bottom pin 521 may be threaded and maycomprise a screw that fits into a portion of the right eyewear frameknuckle 53.

Hinge 50 may also include a frame pin 531 that may he disposed withinthe eyewear frame knuckle 53. In certain aspects, the frame pin 531 maybe smooth or threaded. The frame pin 531 may be a smooth pin thatinterconnects bottom arm knuckle 52, eyewear frame knuckle 53, and asecond portion of the top arm knuckle 51. For example, the frame pin 531and bottom pin 521 may comprise the same pin that passes through andthereby interconnects bottom arm knuckle 52, eyewear frame knuckle 53,and a second portion of the top arm knuckle 51.

Furthermore, hinge 50 may include a boss 514 that may be disposed on theeyewear knuckle 53. For example, boss 514 may he a sleeve or peg thatprojects from the eyewear frame 53 and is received by a second portionof the top arm knuckle 51. Where boss 514 is a sleeve, it may receive aportion of the frame pin 531.

Additionally, hinge 50 may include front frame knuckle 57. Front frameknuckle 57 may be disposed on the front frame portion 11. Top pin 511may be disposed through a portion of the front frame knuckle 57. Indeed,in certain embodiments, top pin 511 may be disposed within front frameknuckle 57 and a first portion of the top arm knuckle 51, therebyinterconnecting front frame knuckle 57 and top arm knuckle 51.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 the right and left hinges 50 and 60,respectively may include top arm knuckles 51, 61, The top arm knuckles51,61 may provide electrical passthroughs 54,64, through whichelectrical conduits 55,65 and wiring 72 (i.e., the flexible circuit) maypass. Right and left hinges 50 and 60 may also include top pins 511,611.Moreover, top arm knuckles 51,61 may be interconnected with eyewearframe knuckles 53,63.

In other embodiments of the invention, rear frame portion 11 may includeone or snore electrochromic lens supports or supporting bosses that maysupport a portion of the electrochromic lens 40 when the lens is fittedinto the frame 10. For example, rear frame portion 11 may includeelectrochromic lens supports 56 and 66, which may be proximate to theeyewear frame knuckles 53 and 63, respectively.

Regarding the flexible conduits of the flexible circuit describedherein, right flexible electrical conduit 55 may pass through rightelectrical passthrough 54 and may have an end portion that is connectedto rear frame portion 11. Moreover, the end portion of the rightflexible electrical conduit 55 may include first and second lenscontacts 551 and 552. As described herein, first and second lenscontacts 551 and 552 may be snap fittings that may releaseably connectto contacts 451 and 452 of right contact 45 of an electrochromic lens40. Indeed, first and second lens contacts 551 and 552 may includeclips, for example, that clip, and releaseably connect, to contacts 451and 452 of right contact 45 such that the first and second lens contacts551 and 552 may be in electrical communication with the electrochromiclens 40.

As used herein, the term “snap fit” or “snap fitting” may describe atype of connection between two components that fastens the twocomponents together, generally without requiring any tools. Asnap-fitting connection of two components of the invention may allow forreleaseably locking two components, where the two components may beunlocked without damage. Accordingly, the terms “snap fit” or “snapfitting” encompass a connection of two components using portions of thecomponents themselves, as would be known by someone having ordinaryskill in the art in light of this specification.

In similar fashion to conduit 55, left flexible electrical conduit 65may pass through left electrical passthrough 64 and may have an endportion that is connected to rear frame portion 11. Moreover, the endportion of the left flexible electrical conduit 65 may include first andsecond lens contacts 651 and 652. As described herein, first and secondlens contacts 651 and 652 may be snap fittings that may releaseablyconnect to first and second contacts 441 and 442 of left contact 44 ofan electrochromic lens 40. Indeed, first and second lens contacts 651and 652 may include clips, for example, that clip, and releaseablyconnect, to first and second contacts 441 and 442 of right contact 44such that the first and second lens contacts 651 and 652 may be inelectrical communication with the electrochromic lens 40.

In other aspects of the invention, the electrochromic eyewear 1 mayinclude a controller 31. The controller 31 may be provided in eitherleft arm 20 or the right arm 30. For example, the controller 31 may bedisposed within the right arm 30 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 12. Generally,the controller 31 may be connected to wiring 72. As would be appreciatedby a person having ordinary skill in the art, in light of thisspecification, the wiring 72 may include a plurality of wires thatprovide electrical communication between: (1) the power source 21 andthe controller 31; (2) contacts 651 and 652 of flexible electricalconduit 65 and the controller 31; (3) contacts 551 and 552 of flexibleelectrical conduit 55 and the controller 31; and (4) the photosensor 70and the controller 31. Accordingly, wiring 72 may include a bundle ofindividual wires that provide a circuit that allows the controller 31 toreceive a signal from the photosensor 70 and provide a voltage to theelectrochromic lens 40 through two or more of contacts 551, 552, 651,and 652, where the controller 31 is powered by the power source 21.Wiring 72 (which may include one or more wires front the flexibleconduits 55 and 65), may be connected to the controller at connector354.

Regarding the controller 31 snore specifically, the controller 31 (e.g.,controller circuit), which is in electrical communication withphotosensor 70, electrochromic lens 40, and power source 21, may beconfigured to deliver a continuous voltage or potential that is pulsedto the electrochromic lens 40 in response to a photosensor potentialthat is generated by photosensor 70. The controller 31 may include apotentiostat. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the controller31 is a controller circuit that includes an amplifier, a voltageregulator, and microcontroller unit (MCU), as set forth, for example,U.S. Pat. No. 8,902,486, the entirety of which is incorporated herein byreference.

In other embodiments of the invention, the controller 31 may include oneor more ports or connectors that may facilitate: (1) communication withthe controller 31; (2) charging of the power source 21; (3) activationor deactivation of the electrochromic eyewear 1; and (4) one or moreindicators that indicate a status of the electrochromic eyewear.

For example, the controller 31 may include a port 311, which may be aUSB port or a micro-USB (μ-USB) port. The controller 31 may include anON/OFF switch 312, which may include a toggle for activating ordeactivating the controller 31 and thereby the device. The controller 31may also include one or more LED indicators that may be visible on asurface of the electrochromic eyewear 1 that may indicate one or more ofbattery life and a device activation status (e.g., on or off).

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the port 311 and ON/OFF switch 312 may becovered and protected by flexible cover 35. Flexible cover 35 may beconnected at the right arm cover 30A with a lug 351 that may providedthrough an opening in flexible cover 35, and may include a stopper thatprevents it from being completely separated from the right arm cover30A. However, the lug 351 provides enough freedom for a user to open orrotate the flexible cover 35 such that the user may access the port 311,for example. The flexible cover 35 may also include a flexible pin 352that may project into an opening of right arm cover 30A, and mayfrictionally engage with a surface of the right arm cover 30A.Alternatively, flexible pin 352 may engage with a button or switchON/OFF switch 312) and allow a user to activate and deactivate theelectrochromic eyewear.

In another aspect, as shown in FIG. 11, right inner cover 34 may includeone oar more fasteners 353 that may be used fasten the right inner cover34 to right outer arm 30A.

Preferably, the electrochromic lens 40 may be controlled by amicrochip-based controller (i.e., controller 31) that uses a signal fromthe photosensor (e.g., photosensor potential) of the ambient light leveland a pre-set, desired light level behind the electrochromic lens 40 atthe photosensor 70, which is disposed within photosensor cavity 80(e.g., at the eye level of the wearer in the case of electrochromicsunglasses). Furthermore, the controller 31 allows for voltageapplication only to achieve the desired % Transmission (% T) of theelectrochromic system (i.e., the desired light level), after which thevoltage application ceases and the controller 31 goes into a dormant,monitoring-only mode (monitoring the ambient light level via thephotosensor output (i.e., photosensor potential), thus greatlyconserving battery power.

In practical use of the electrochromic eyewear 1 of the invention, thelight level desired at the eye may be first set using a desired voltageoutput of the photosensor 70 corresponding to the desired figure inlumens via a lookup table, using software that may be provided in astorage medium of the controller 31. The software may be downloaded intothe controller 31 where it may reside in the storage medium (e.g., anon-transitory storage medium such as a hard drive, solid state drive,or the like), which may include an EPROM, facilitated by a connection toa laptop computer or mobile device (e.g., a phone), for example.Following this step, the electrochromic eyewear 1 may function in afully automated fashion as follows: the photosensor output, based on thelight incident on the side of the electrochromic lens away front thelight source, may be used by the software to apply an applied-voltagealgorithm on the lens 40, such that the lightness or darkness of thelens 40 may be adjusted to ensure the pre-selected light level at theeye. Such algorithms and methods are provided in U.S. Pat. No.8,902,486, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Furthermore, the electrochromic eyewear 1 may include a power source 21.The power source 21 may be provided in either left arm 21 or the rightarm 30. For example, the power source 21 may be disposed within the leftarm 20 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 11. The power source 21 may provide apotential or voltage to the controller 31. The power source 21 mayinclude any source of direct current (DC) to the controller 31 and/orelectrochromic lens 40. In certain embodiments, the power source 21 mayinclude a source of alternating current (AC) that is converted to DC, asis known in the art. Preferably, the power source 21 is a battery. Asused herein, the term “battery” refers to at electro-chemical devicecomprising one or mere electro-chemical cells and/or fuel cells, and soa battery may include a single cell or plural cells, whether asindividual units or as a packaged unit. A battery is one example of atype of an electrical power source suitable for a portable device.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a power source 21 suchas a rechargeable Li ion battery is provided. If a rechargeable Libattery is used, the electrochromic eyewear 1 may be recharged for a fewhours, similar to, for example, a cell phone.

With regard to the present invention, both the power source 21 and thecontroller 31 may be disposed within the left arm 20 or the right arm30. When both the power source 21 and the controller 31 are placedwithin the same arm (i.e., arm 20 or 30), the other arm may include acounterweight to ensure that both the left arm 20 and right arm 30 arebalanced.

In certain embodiments, the fully automated, ambient-light-dependfunction of the eyewear 1 allows the user to keep the eyewear on at alltimes, regardless of whether or not he or she is indoors or outdoors, incloudy or brightly sunny conditions, or under intense artificialillumination, such as front a spotlight. Such features may be especiallyconvenient for industrial workers, construction crews, andsportspersons, for example. Additionally, the electrochromic eyewear ofthe invention may work equally well indoors and in automobiles, unlikephotochromics, which may require the UV component of sunlight tofunction and thus do not efficiently function indoors or in automobiles.

A number of patent and non-patent publications are cited herein in orderto describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains. Theentire disclosure of each of these publications is incorporated byreference herein.

While certain embodiments of the present invention have been describedand/or exemplified above, various other embodiments will be apparent tothose skilled in the art from the foregoing disclosure. The presentinvention is, therefore, not limited to the particular embodimentsdescribed and/or exemplified, but is capable of considerable variationand modification without departure from the scope and spirit of theappended claims.

Moreover, as used herein, the term “about” means that dimensions, sizes,formulations, parameters, shapes and other quantities andcharacteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximateand/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversionfactors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factorsknown to those of skill in the art. In general, a dimension, size,formulation, parameter, shape or other quantity or characteristic is“about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such. Itis noted that embodiments of very different sizes, shapes and dimensionsmay employ the described arrangements.

Furthermore, the transitional terms “comprising”, “consistingessentially of” and “consisting of”, when used in the appended claims,in original and amended form, define the claim scope with respect towhat unrecited additional claim elements or steps, if any, are excludedfrom the scope of the claim(s). The term “comprising” is intended to beinclusive or open-ended and does not exclude any additional, unrecitedelement, method, step or material. The term “consisting of” excludes anyelement, step or material other than those specified in the claim and,in the latter instance, impurities ordinary associated with thespecified material(s). The term “consisting essentially of” limits thescope of a claim to the specified elements, steps or material(s) andthose that do not materially affect the basic and novelcharacteristic(s) of the claimed invention. All devices and methodsdescribed herein that embody the present invention can, in alternateembodiments, be more specifically defined by any of the transitionalterms “comprising,” “consisting essentially of,” and “consisting of.”

What is claimed is:
 1. Electrochromic eyewear comprising: a. an eyewearframe comprising: i. a first arm and a first hinge that connects the tothe eyewear frame; ii. a second arm and a second hinge that connects thesecond arm to the eyewear frame; and iii. a photosensor cavitycomprising a conically-shaped cross-section; b. an electrochromic lensconnected to the eyewear frame that covers the photosensor cavity; c. aphotosensor contained within the photosensor cavity and configured toreceive light and convert such light to a photosensor potential; d. acontroller contained within at least one of the first and second arms inelectrical communication with the photosensor and the electrochromiclens, the controller configured to deliver a voltage to theelectrochromic lens in response to the photosensor potential; and e. apower source contained within at least one of the first and second armsin electrical communication with the controller.
 2. The eyewear of claim1, wherein the electrochromic lens comprises a single lens.
 3. Theeyewear of claim 2, wherein the electrochromic lens comprises anelectrochromic material and a protective material.
 4. The eyewear ofclaim 3, the protective material composes polycarbonate.
 5. The eyewearof claim 3, wherein the electrochromic material comprises anelectrochromic conducting polymer selected from the group consisting of:poly(aniline), poly(diphenylamine), poly(4-amino biphenyl), poly(3-alkylthiophene), poly(phenylene), poly(phenylene vinylene), poly(alkylenevinylenes), poly(amino quinolines), poly(diphenyl benzidine),poly(2,2-dibenzyl-3,4-propylenedioxythiophene),poly(2,2-bis(4-chloro-benzyl)-3,4-propylenedioxythiophene),poly(2,2-bis(4-bromo-benzyl propylenedioxythiophene),poly(2,2-bis(4-nitro-benzyl)-3,4-propylenedioxythiophene), andcombinations thereof.
 6. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein the framecomprises a front portion and a rear portion with the electrochromiclens disposed between the front portion and the rear portion.
 7. Theeyewear of claim 6, wherein the front portion comprises a first lensaperture, a photosensor aperture, and a second lens aperture.
 8. Theeyewear of claim 6, wherein the rear portion comprises photosensorcavity with the photosensor being positioned behind the electrochromiclens.
 9. The eyewear of claim 8, wherein the photosensor cavitycomprises a conical cross-section, a frustoconical cross-section, afluted conical cross-section, or a fluted frustoconical cross-section.10. The eyewear of claim 6, wherein the first and second hinges comprisefirst and second electrical passthroughs and the rear portion comprisesa wire channel that connects the first electrical passthrough, thephotosensor cavity, and second electrical passthrough.
 11. The eyewearof claim 10, comprising a flexible circuit configured to maintainelectrical communication between the electrochromic lens, thecontroller, and the power source, the flexible circuit comprising: i.electrical contact pads connected to the rear portion and configured toreleaseably contact the electrochromic lens; and ii. a flexibleelectrical conduit that connects the electrical contact pads to thecontroller through at least one of the first and second electricalpassthroughs.
 12. The eye wear of claim 11, wherein the electricalcontact pads comprise spring-loaded contacts configured to provide abias pressure against electrochromic lens.
 13. The eyewear of claim 6,wherein the eyewear frame comprises a snap fitting that releaseablyconnects the electrochromic lens to the eyewear frame.
 14. The eyewearold claim 6, wherein the front portion and rear portion comprise afastener configured to releaseably connect the front portion to the rearportion.
 15. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein the controller is containedwithin the first arm and the power source is contained in the secondarm.
 16. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein both the controller and thepower source are contained within one of the first and second arms. 17.Electrochromic eyewear comprising: a. an eyewear frame comprising afirst arm and a second arm, wherein at least one of the first and secondarms comprise a hinge that connects the arm to the eyewear frame, thehinge comprising a set of interconnected knuckles and an electricalpassthrough disposed within the set of interconnected knuckles; whereinthe arm can rotate upon the hinge between an open and closed position;b. an electrochromic lens connected to the eyewear frame comprisingelectrical contacts; c. a controller contained within at least one ofthe first and second arms in electrical communication with theelectrochromic lens, the controller configured to deliver a voltage tothe electrochromic lens to vary the transmittance (% T) of theelectrochromic lens in response to a stimulus transmitted to thecontroller; d. a power source contained within at least one of the firstand second arms in electrical communication with the controller; and e.a flexible circuit configured to maintain electrical communicationbetween the electrochromic lens and the controller when at least one ofthe first and second arms is in their open or closed position,comprising: i. electrical contact pads connected to the eyewear frameand configured to releaseably contact the electrical contacts of theelectrochromic lens; and ii. a flexible electrical conduit that connectsthe electrical contact pads to the controller through the electricalpassthrough.
 18. The eyewear of claim 17, wherein first and second armscomprise first and second hinges, respectively, having a first andsecond set of interconnected knuckles with first and second electricalpassthroughs disposed within the sets of interconnected knuckles. 19.The eyewear of claim 17, wherein the set of interconnected knucklescomprises an arm knuckle and an eyewear frame knuckle.
 20. The eyewearof claim 19, wherein the arm knuckle comprises the electricalpassthrough.
 21. The eyewear of claim 17, wherein the electrochromiclens comprises a single lens.
 22. The eyewear of claim 21, whereinelectrochromic lens comprises an electrochromic material and aprotective material.
 23. The eyewear of claim 22, wherein the protectivematerial comprises polycarbonate.
 24. The eyewear of claim 22, whereinthe electrochromic material comprises an electrochromic conductingpolymer selected from the group consisting of: poly(aniline),poly(diphenylamine), poly(4-amino biphenyl), poly(3-alkyl thiophene),poly(phenylene), poly(phenylene vinylene), poly(alkylene vinylenes),poly(amino quinolines), poly(diphenyl benzidine),poly(2,2)-dibenzyl-3,4-propylenedioxythiophene),poly(2,2-bis(4-chloro-benzyl)-3,4-propylenedioxythiophene),poly(2,2-bis(4-bromo-benzyl)-3,4-propylenedioxythiophene),poly(2,2-bis(4-nitro-benzyl)-3,4-propylenedioxythiophene), andcombinations thereof.
 25. The eyewear of claim 17, wherein the framecomprises a front portion and a rear portion with the electrochromiclens disposed between the front portion and the rear portion.
 26. Theeyewear of claim 25, wherein the frame comprises a photosensor cavitycomprising a conically-shaped cross-section.
 27. The eyewear of claim26, comprising a photosensor in electrical communication with thecontroller and contained within the photosensor cavity, wherein thephotosensor is positioned behind the electrochromic lens.
 28. Theeyewear of claim 27, wherein the front portion comprises a first lensaperture, a photosensor aperture, and a second lens aperture.
 29. Theeyewear of claim 26, wherein the photosensor cavity comprises a conicalcross-section, a frustoconical cross-section, a fluted conicalcross-section, or a fluted frustoconical cross-section.
 30. Eyewearhaving removable electrochromic lenses, the eyewear comprising: a. aneyewear frame comprising: i. first and second arms connected by firstand second hinges, respectively, to the eyewear frame; ii. a rearportion comprising an electrochromic lens snap fitting and spring-loadedelectrochromic lens contact pads; and iii. a front portion having afastener configured to releaseably connect the front portion to the rearportion; b. an electrochromic lens disposed between the front portionand rear portion of the eyewear frame, wherein the electrochromic lenssnap fitting and the spring loaded electrochromic lens contact pads areconfigured to releaseably connect the electrochromic lens to the rearportion; c. a photosensor connected to the rear portion of the eyewearframe and configured to receive light and convert such light to aphotosensor potential; and e. a controller contained within at least oneof the first and second arms in electrical communication with theelectrochromic lens and the photosensor, wherein the controller isconfigured to deliver a voltage to the electrochromic lens through thespring-loaded electrochromic lens contact pads in response to thephotosensor potential.